Nutritional Supplements and Cardiovascular Function in Athletes and Sedentary People

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 4013

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
2. Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: microcirculation; n-3 PUFAs; endothelium; oxidative stress; eicosanoids; nutrients; exercise
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Dear Colleagues,

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of various vascular functions, such as vascular reactivity to stimuli, coagulation, inflammatory responses, etc. Endothelial dysfunction is underlying all cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, coronary heart disease). Although exercise has a beneficial impact on endothelial function and prevents cardiovascular diseases or alleviates them, strenuous exercise can also lead to endothelial dysfunction and vascular/tissue damage. It is well documented that increased oxidative stress has a deleterious effect on endothelium-dependent vascular function by altering the different metabolic pathways involved in vascular reactivity. On the other hand, different nutraceuticals with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties can significantly impact vascular function and cardiovascular health. For professional athletes, appropriate nutrition is necessary to perform a lot of physical and metabolic activity to match their increased energy and nutritional needs. Nutritional supplements, such as nutrients with antioxidative properties, may play a role in preparing for exercise, increasing the efficiency of exercise, supporting recovery from exercise, and helping to prevent injury. This may help reduce exercise-induced inflammation. However, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level of the effects of various nutritional supplements on cardiovascular help is still insufficient. Some of the possible underlying mechanisms include the modification of oxidative stress via different pathways, such as the NRF2-transcription factor pathway, which influences vascular function. There is a need for controlled randomized studies on the effects of nutrients in athletes as well as in sedentary people on cardiovascular health in terms of preventive and potentially curative effects. There is a high degree of uncertainty surrounding the doses, duration, and chronic effects of nutritional supplementation (in food or in the form of pharmaceutical remedies). Moderate physical activity independently provides beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Thus, in this Special Issue, review and original research articles performed in humans or experimental models on the effects of nutritional supplements, enriched food, or physical activity independently or in the interaction with nutrition on cardiovascular health in athletes and sedentary persons are welcome to be submitted.

Prof. Dr. Ines Drenjančević
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • athletes
  • sedentary
  • eating habits
  • nutrition
  • endothelium
  • microcirculation
  • vascular function
  • nutritional supplements
  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidants
  • NRF2-signaling pathway
  • functional food
  • cardiovascular function
  • prevention
  • physical activity

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 976 KiB  
Article
Breaking the Cycle: Enhancing Cardiovascular Health in the Elderly Through Group Exercise
by Lovorka Bilajac, Mihaela Marinović Glavić, Zulle Kristijan, Bilobrk Matea, Denis Juraga, Ana Jelaković, Tomislav Rukavina, Vanja Vasiljev and Bojan Jelaković
Life 2025, 15(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020206 - 29 Jan 2025
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Abstract
The global increase in aging populations underscores the urgency of addressing cardio–kidney metabolic health indicators, particularly among sedentary elderly individuals. This study investigates the impact of an 8-month structured group exercise program on cardiovascular health indicators among 320 women aged 60 and older [...] Read more.
The global increase in aging populations underscores the urgency of addressing cardio–kidney metabolic health indicators, particularly among sedentary elderly individuals. This study investigates the impact of an 8-month structured group exercise program on cardiovascular health indicators among 320 women aged 60 and older living independently in Rijeka. Participants engaged in biweekly sessions designed to improve mobility, balance, and strength. Key metrics, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and hand grip strength, were measured before and after the intervention. Results revealed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (mean −3.4 mmHg) and pulse pressure among hypertensive participants, highlighting improved cardiovascular function. BP control significantly improved (7.2%), and 19% of untreated hypertensive subjects at the start become normotensive at the end of follow-up. Although BMI changes were minimal, WHtR improvements indicated reductions in central obesity and muscle fat redistribution. Hand grip strength increased significantly on both arms, correlating with physical capacity. The results underline the benefits of group training for improving health even in the elderly population through an organized exercise program. While these preliminary results demonstrate promising health improvements, further research with longer follow-up and inclusion of diverse participant groups is recommended to validate these outcomes and refine intervention strategies. Full article
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16 pages, 435 KiB  
Article
The Interplay between Dietary Habits and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Prospective FGM Study
by Maja Gradinjan Centner, Daniela Čačić Kenjerić, Ema Schönberger, Hrvoje Centner, Daria Sladić Rimac, Kristina Steiner, Romana Marušić, Miro Bakula, Daniela Fabris Vitković, Ivica Mihaljević, Ines Bilić Ćurčić and Silvija Canecki Varžić
Life 2024, 14(9), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091153 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults [...] Read more.
Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults diagnosed with T1D. Employing a prospective design, data were gathered from 151 participants aged 18–60 across multiple cycles. Participants utilized the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) System and provided dietary details via questionnaires and diaries. The findings unveiled correlations between dietary patterns and glycemic control, with higher protein intake associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1C values (p = 0.019), yet elevated fat and protein consumption was linked to heightened rates of hyperglycemia. Conversely, no significant relationship was observed between dietary variables and hypoglycemia occurrence. Interestingly, subjects with more readings of glucose levels consumed fewer carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and more proteins (p = 0.000). Furthermore, physical activity and marital status correlated with glycemic stability, while higher education was associated with enhanced glycemic control (p = 0.021). This study confirmed the importance of structured education on glycemic regulation and the importance of dietary patterns in glucose management. Also, the educational role of the FGM system in changing dietary habits was confirmed, which is one of the key factors for improving glycemic regulation in continuous glucose monitoring system users. Full article
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Review

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12 pages, 964 KiB  
Review
Walnut Consumption May Contribute to Healthy Cardiovascular/Endothelial Function by Maintaining Membrane Integrity
by Dora Jarai and Akos Koller
Life 2024, 14(11), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111426 - 5 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. A healthy diet has an important role in delaying the development of many modifiable risk factors of CVD, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high plasma levels of cholesterol, and glucose. The consumption [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. A healthy diet has an important role in delaying the development of many modifiable risk factors of CVD, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high plasma levels of cholesterol, and glucose. The consumption of various nuts, especially walnuts, may benefit both primary and secondary prevention due to their bioactive components. This review focuses on (1) the protective role of walnut consumption on CVD at large (2) and the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they have beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function. Walnuts contain many essential ingredients (such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin E) necessary for the healthy functioning of membranes. Since membranes are involved in nearly all processes associated with life-related function, the main underlying mechanism of walnut-improved cardiovascular function is likely based on improving membrane composition and function by providing all of the substrates necessary for membranes, such as cell, mitochondria, Golgi, nucleus, and so on. In addition to endothelial cell function, all other cells and membranes are likely to benefit from walnut consumption, suggesting that incorporating walnuts into the human diet is essential, for example, during higher physical and mental demand, such as exercise, and may mitigate the risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and compensate for the sedentary lifestyle, especially in those of an older age. Full article
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